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State economic development wing to double spending next year

Posted at 10:13 AM, Dec 25, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-25 10:13:38-05

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — JobsOhio, the state's private nonprofit development corporation, will double its annual spending down the road on loans and grants, the group's director told the board in a quarterly meeting.

JobsOhio normally spends around $150 million a year, but that will rise to about $300 million, J.P. Nauseef said at the board's recent quarterly meeting in Youngstown, according to Gongwer News Service.

JobsOhio also plans to grow beyond its traditional focus on advanced manufacturing, the automotive sector and technology, Nauseef said. That could include retaining and expanding the state's federal workforce, an effort expected to cost $3-5 million a year.

The organization also has a goal of doubling the number of graduates with in-demand degrees in science, technology, engineering and math over the next five to 10 years, he said. That could involve a $75-150 million investment over five years.